CD Reviews

Far superior to Four

Craig Clarke | New England | 05/10/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm not a "die-hard" Blues Traveler fan. My first album was Four and I think this one beats it hands down. I don't listen to it all the time, but when I'm in the mood for it, nothing else can take its place. Carolina Blues, Felicia, Canadian Rose, Yours--these are all terrific songs. And the album fits together as a whole wonderfully. This is a great driving album, or for just listening around the home.It also helps that I happen to really like the color blue.Of the two BT albums I have as of this writing, this is the one I keep coming back to. I think that says a lot. It's too bad that this one didn't get the mainstream attention that Four did, because it is by far the superior piece of work."

A Deserving Raise

G. J Wiener | Westchester, NY USA | 06/18/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I reviewed this CD a while back and gave it three stars. Mostly because only three or four songs seemed to stand out. These are Psych Joe, Most Precarious, Make My Way, and Caroline Blues. Somehow over the course of time, I have found myself playing this CD a good deal. And I have discovered a few more desireable tracks such as the tender ballad Yours and the spunky The Gunfighter. Yes, the album has more pop flavorings than their earlier work, but hey you know sometimes a band has got to grow. And the rock n roll sound is still front and center. Therefore, I see this Blues Traveler CD and raise to a solid four stars."

Well-oiled machine.

G. J Wiener | 09/06/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"On behalf of all the true BT fans out there, I would say the band is the tightest instrumentally on this CD than any of their previous efforts. It seems that the self-proclaimimg BT fans who jumped on the wagon with the release of "Four" are quick to categorize "Straight On 'Til Morning" as sell-out pop and nothing new. But what they fail to realize and understand is that this band is not so concerned with reinventing themselves as they are with putting out harmonious music, which turns into an improvisational jam at the drop of a dime. That is their trademark. There are not too many bands that can touch the consistency and raw talent comprising BT. These cool cats bottled it up in this CD. Try "Great Big World" and some new sounds in "Felicia" and "Yours"."

No reason to be criticized

G. J Wiener | 06/15/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have been a big Blues Traveler fan for five years, and though Four was my first album, I can't help but be a big fan.Alot of people criticise John Popper and his boys about "Straight On Till Morning", and claim that BT turned their back on their well known rock and so-called "boogie woogie" sound, and sold out to pop music.Well, in case those people didn't know, pop music has become a powerfull force in music. Phil Collins, Will Smith, Lionel Richie, and Eric Clapton are other artists who are known for other styles of music,yet have added pop to their music,which has helped them get better,and BT is no different.Plus, all those other artists have their own style to go with their pop sound, and Blues Traveler still has the same rock and blues sound on S.O.T.M. that they have been known for and have carried on all the previous albums. I can't wait untill they make another album. To John,Bob,Chan,and Brendan:God bless you guys.You really have prooven that you are for real,I hope you will make another album,because I really enjoy your music.I will always be a fan of yours, and you'll go down as one of the greatest bands of all time.Sincerely, your fan forever, John Wavada.P.S. To John Popper:Alot of people forget to realize that you play guitar too, and I say shame on anyone who criticized you for barely picking up your harmonica on S.O.T.M. .You really are a great, double talented musician. To the other members of BT, don't think I haven't noticed your talent. You guys deserve alot more credit than some people give you, so to Bob Sheehan,Chan Kinchla, and Brendan Hill: You guys have put together one of my favorite bands in the world. You relly know how to put someone in a good mood. My favorite songs so far are "The mountains win again", "Look around", "Just wait", "Run around", "Crash burn", "But anyway", "Gina", "Carolina blues", and "Canadian Rose"."

Hard to top...

natedogg41 | Longmont, CO United States | 07/12/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is an awesome follow up to Four. SOTM continues the jam stylings of Stand, Fallible, Freedom and Crash Burn. It shows the evolution of the band and continues in the tradition of their famed blues-rock stylings. SOTM/Blues Traveler have been given a hard time about so called "selling out". However, I find no fault in creating an album that people want to listen to. They don't comprimise their style, but explore it deeper. This album is something that should be in the CD changer of anyone who really enjoys good, talent soaked music. Buy it, quick..."